The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) convenes annually to focus on the professional advancement of its members and the metal building industry. Members come together to highlight best practices in safety, training and education. They come together to celebrate metal building systems, and the men and women who assemble them. This year’s conference was April 30-May 1 in San Diego.
Gary T. Smith, president of MBCEA, opened the 46th annual conference with a reminder of the core values of the association: safety, training and education. To emphasize his point, Smith played a poignant video of a recent building collapse. There were audible gasps in the room as the structure came down, as well as a consensus of a collective responsibility to prevent tragedies such as this from happening. Smith went on to share highlights of the year and upcoming events and introduced the keynote speaker, Tom Gilligan, president of Butler Manufacturing, Kansas City, Mo., and chair of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA).
Gilligan provided an informative state of the industry and shared strategic initiatives for the MBMA. He emphasized the common goals between manufacturers, contractors and erectors, saying “our reputation is on the line,” meaning the actions of any one player reflects on the entire industry. To ensure a high-quality standard, MBMA requires its members be accredited by the IAS. He explained this program has been a great value to the manufacturers. Accreditation is widely recognized and provides assurance that metal buildings are manufactured to a high standard and have passed the stringent audit requirements of AC472. Gilligan said, “Requiring AC472 helps protect your good name.” He went on to say that AC478, the accreditation program established by MBCEA, will do the same for contractors and erectors.
Attendees could choose from 11 educational sessions, such as “Preparing for and Understanding Code Changes,” “Making Money in any Economy with Metal Retrofit Roofing,” “Use of BIM,” “Achieving R-Values,” “Transpired Solar Collectors” and “The Theory behind Bolts.” Rob Haddock, founder of S-5!, Colorado Springs, Colo., provided tangible proof that the standing seam roofs that we all sell and install are the most durable roof types in the commercial roofing industry-bar none-and outlast membrane roof types by three times.
Smith of Thomas Phoenix International, Eastampton, N.J., Mike Reynolds of Systems Contractors, Greensboro, N.C., and Sandi McCracken of the International Accreditation Service (IAS) provided extensive insight into the new accreditation program, AC478. Called a game-changer, this program was only just approved in February.
To achieve AC478 accreditation, companies must demonstrate they have the personnel, organization, experience, management procedures and competence to assemble and erect metal building systems in accordance with specified requirements and the International Building Code. IAS-accredited assemblers are required to operate under a documented management system that includes a safety and training program and periodic job-site inspections to verify continued compliance with the criteria. The periodic job-site inspections are conducted by IAS-accredited inspection agencies.
Smith and Reynolds explained that with this program, metal building assemblers now have a standard to which they can aspire, be measured and held accountable. Programs such as this are necessary to prevent accidents and ensure safety. They are a critical step in forging a new identity for the trade. An identity that invokes a highly skilled workforce capable of safely delivering complex projects.
AC478 Inspection Practices of Metal Building Assemblers has an effective implementation date of July 1, 2015. Interested companies are encouraged to view the program requirements at www. iasonline.org. MBCEA members will have access to an extensive program of support including training workshops and sample documentation.
The highlight of the MBCEA conference is the awarding of the Building of the Year. Entries were judged by Ronald Albert, AIA, RHA Architects, Lunenburg, Mass., and Jim Lichty, AIA, Archetype Design Group Inc., Leawood, Kan. Hance Construction’s “Steel House” was declared the 2015 MBCEA Building of the Year. Hance Construction, Washington, N.J., worked closely with Larson and Paul Architects, New York City, to create a unique hybrid building system of five units combined in one residential building.
The MBCEA paid tribute to Metal Construction Hall of Famer, Bob Ketenbrink. Ketenbrink left a lasting legacy on the MBCEA. Many members considered him a mentor and friend. Acknowledging the commitment and support of his wife, the MBCEA presented the annual Oil Can Award to Bev Ketenbrink in a moving ceremony that included photos and highlights of the Ketenbrinks.
The conference ended as it always does with a dynamic discussion at the round table. This session features a panel of experts and an open mic format of questions. The panel was comprised of Tom Frahm, Butler Manufacturing; Reynolds, Systems Contractors; McCracken, IAS; Ron Reed, Architectural Testing Inc.; Eric Kay Thomas, Phoenix International; Erin Sullivan, Chief Buildings, Grand Island, Neb.; Steve Moore, MMS Northeast Inc., Hampton Falls, N.H.; and Bill Beals, Therm-All Inc., North Olmsted, Ohio. Questions ranged from site conditions to contract negotiations. Members asked for and received helpful tips and strategies for success.
For more information about MBCEA, go to www.mbcea.org. The 2016 conference will be held May 19-21 at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater, Fla.
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Jackie Meiluta is an independent consultant who provides support to the MBCEA, most notably with the development, roll-out and training for AC478 and the Apprenticeship Program.
Building of the Year |
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Specialty Winner of Excellence
Project: Steel House, North Haven, N.Y. |
Awards of Excellence |
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Aviation Category Project: AeroColorado, Englewood, Colo. |
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Educational Category Project: Xaverian Brothers High School, Westwood, Mass.
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Innovative Thermal Barriers Category Project: Portland General Electric, Port Westward |
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Manufacturing Category Project: Inergy, Kansas City, Mo. |
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Recreational Category Project: Earthtreks Climbing Center, Golden, Colo. |
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Retail Category Project: Dollar General Store, Fairfax, Vt. |
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Warehouse Category Project: Kentucky Utilities Ghent Power Station, Ghent, Ky. |
Awards of Merit |
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Educational Category Project: Pingree School Athletics Facility, South Hamilton, Mass. |
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Manufacturing Category Project: Bent Glass, Hatboro, Pa. |
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Recreational Category Project: Denver Curling Center, Golden, Colo. |
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Specialty Category Project: Animal Shelter Addition, Lake County, Fla. |
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Warehouse Category Project: Hall’s Warehouse, South Plainfield, N.J. |
